Tommy Walker

Inducted in 1997

Guitarist & Vocalist

Tom Walker was the founder of the local surf
band, The Intruder (1963), which later changed
its name to The Dearly Beloved (1965). The band
scored a #1 KTKT Top 40 chart hit, and was #1 on
American Bandstand for six weeks. The band
reached the top fifty on the Billboard Charts in
1966 with the song "Peep Peep Pop Pop.” The
Dearly Beloved opened for many bands, including
The Buffalo Springfield, The Doors, The Lovin’
Spoonful, The Mothers of Invention, and BB King,
to name just a few.

Tom fronted and played with Sam Taylor. He was
the driving force of The Boogieman Blues
Band. Although Tom played all genres of
music his home was in the blues.

Tom was a pillar of strength, wise beyond his
years, a mentor and teacher, a great
storyteller, and considered one of the best
guitarists/songwriters of his time.